As we shift into the New Year, perhaps with refreshed enthusiasm or maybe with reluctant acceptance that the holidays are done, many of us are looking to the future and setting ourselves goals.'

It is important that New Year’s resolutions don’t just apply to your personal life but also to your business goals.

Business strategy can feel overwhelming – let's simplify it. 

It’s basically planning. A good plan or strategy will consider what you are trying to achieve, an honest assessment of where you are at and an intentional plan of how you will succeed.

Often a lack of time can see planning pushed aside. However, having a clear plan will support you to recruit well, retain and develop your staff - saving you more time (and money!).

Look at the past and present for the future

Assessing where your business is now, allows you to establish what you are doing well so that this can be built upon, as well as understanding what still needs attention.

Reflecting on your plan is also an excellent way to measure success – there’s no better feeling than looking back and seeing the steps forward you have already taken.

Ensure you reflect your core business values

Before you start planning it’s essential to be clear on the values or culture of your organisation– these should be genuine and reflected in how you conduct business and in how you manage staff.

A mismatch of values in theory versus reality is a risk factor for burnout and staff attrition – so it’s important to get this right.

Sharing your business plan has a huge impact on employee well-being

Once you have a plan, share it with your current staff. Knowing the plan will help them grasp the context of decision-making, find purpose in their daily tasks, contribute valuable input, and cultivate a sense of ownership. This, in turn, enhances employee retention, engagement, productivity, fosters loyalty, and positively impacts staff well-being.

Strategic action

Now you have your plan, what are you going to do with it? There’s no sense in “ticking the box” and then filing it away until next year. Your strategy should inform your staffing structure and planning for any changes required. Therefore it will need to be revisited on a regular basis. 

It should be used to consciously achieve your strategic objectives. This flows into staff development – knowing what you will need in future means you can develop current employees' strengths by intentionally upskilling them to meet these needs.

Additionally, your plan should also guide the recruitment process, ensuring you design and hire for roles that align with your needs and seek individuals who not only resonate with your values but also possess the necessary skill set for your future demands.

Need some help planning?

Overall, the message is the old adage of “failing to plan is planning to fail” – it seems harsh but a well-thought-out plan will maximise the chances of business success, whatever that looks like to you.

If this all seems overwhelming, we’re here to help – we offer all new clients a 1-hour free chat to discuss what you need and to find out whether we can help you achieve that.